England pair retires from international football
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England goalkeeper Paul Robinson and defender Wes Brown have decided to call time on their international careers.
Blackburn Rovers goalkeeper Robinson was the Three Lions' first choice at the 2006 World Cup before drifting out of England contention until his re-call for the Hungary game.
The 30-year-old ends his international career having won 41 caps for his country.
Robinson said in a statement released on Sunday: "I've taken the decision to retire from international football with immediate effect.
"Only now have I been able to make this decision as previously I have not been in contention or selected for the squad.
"As a professional who wants every chance to play football, I do not see myself as number three or four keeper. I find that role very frustrating. I haven't had the opportunity to be anything other than this in recent years.
"Therefore I feel it's in the best interests of myself and my club, Blackburn Rovers, that I concentrate solely on my club football.
"I wish the England team every success."
And just hours later, Brown, who missed the World Cup in South Africa after breaking his foot in March, also announced his retirement from international football.
The 30 year-old defender has struggled to establish himself as an England regular since making his debut in 1999, making just 23 appearances.
"After a lot of thought and with a very heavy heart, I have decided the time is right for me to retire from international football," the Manchester United player said in a statement.
"At the age of 30 I feel it is right for me to stand aside and let younger players come through, which allows me to concentrate on my club career.
"I regard it as an honour and a privilege to have represented my country at every level from Under 15s upwards.
"I have always been very proud to play for England and wish them well in future tournaments."
Along with Emile Heskey’s retirement earlier this summer, England boss Fabio Capello has now lost the services of three extremely experienced players.
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Blackburn Rovers goalkeeper Robinson was the Three Lions' first choice at the 2006 World Cup before drifting out of England contention until his re-call for the Hungary game.
The 30-year-old ends his international career having won 41 caps for his country.
Robinson said in a statement released on Sunday: "I've taken the decision to retire from international football with immediate effect.
"Only now have I been able to make this decision as previously I have not been in contention or selected for the squad.
"As a professional who wants every chance to play football, I do not see myself as number three or four keeper. I find that role very frustrating. I haven't had the opportunity to be anything other than this in recent years.
"Therefore I feel it's in the best interests of myself and my club, Blackburn Rovers, that I concentrate solely on my club football.
"I wish the England team every success."
And just hours later, Brown, who missed the World Cup in South Africa after breaking his foot in March, also announced his retirement from international football.
The 30 year-old defender has struggled to establish himself as an England regular since making his debut in 1999, making just 23 appearances.
"After a lot of thought and with a very heavy heart, I have decided the time is right for me to retire from international football," the Manchester United player said in a statement.
"At the age of 30 I feel it is right for me to stand aside and let younger players come through, which allows me to concentrate on my club career.
"I regard it as an honour and a privilege to have represented my country at every level from Under 15s upwards.
"I have always been very proud to play for England and wish them well in future tournaments."
Along with Emile Heskey’s retirement earlier this summer, England boss Fabio Capello has now lost the services of three extremely experienced players.
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Related links:
Team
Personal
Also see:
